Magnitude 3.7 Earthquake Strikes Mandi, Epicenter Near Jai Devi in Sundernagar
Earthquake - Photo : istock
February 23, Mandi: A light intensity earthquake hit Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh early morning today, jolting the area. It registered on the Richter scale a 3.7. The magnitude 3.7 earthquake struck at 8:42 AM. As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) records, the center was at Jai Devi in Sundernagar at 7 kilometres below the Earth crust.
Yet, there have been no reports of fatalities or significant property damage to date despite the shakes being felt across a wide area. Local authorities say the earthquake caused limited damage and that the situation is under control. But the tremors were felt in many places of Mandi and adjacent areas, leading to panic among residents.
An earthquake-prone region
The hilly state of Himachal Pradesh is located in an earthquake-prone area. The state’s fold mountains, being a part of the Himalayan mountain range, are liable to frequent seismic activity. While most of these earthquakes are moderate in intensity, stronger quakes have hit the region historically.
Over recent years, residents have learned to live with the occasional shaking, which is usually harmless. But experts have warned that the seismic activity in the region should not be dismissed. Officials have asked the public to stay vigilant and ready for aftershocks.
The authorities are monitoring the situation
Local authorities and the State Disaster Management Authority have been in touch with the overall situation since the earthquake, he added. Inspection teams have been sent out to ensure that there are no major infrastructural damages. They are also asking residents to report any small damages that might have happened due to the tremors.
Modern technology has been provided to Himachal Pradesh’s disaster management teams for quick vibration detection and analysis after an earthquake for prompt response. Despite the moderate-magnitude of this quake, the region is on alert with the unpredictability of seismic activity.
In Effect: Preparedness Measures
Following a string of earthquakes in the area, local officials have been working on improving disaster preparedness and response plans. Schools, government offices and public buildings here have been holding regular earthquake drills over recent weeks and safety protocols are being updated, ensuring residents and visitors alike are prepared.
In addition to this, the State Disaster Management Authority has also organised campaigns to increase awarness among the public regarding the do’s and don’ts during earthquakes. Residents are urged to prepare by securing heavy furniture, knowing safe places in offices and homes and keeping emergency packs filled with supplies.
Past Earthquake in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh has also witnessed several earthquake events over the decades. Some of these quakes have been destructive: one of the deadliest in the region was the 1905 Kangra earthquake, which killed over 19,000 people and caused massive destruction. It has since been discovered that the region is vulnerable to seismic events, despite recent earthquakes being less devastating.
Considering that Himachal Pradesh is close to the tectonic boundary between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, experts have emphasized the need for preparedness. “The large-scale earthquakes are not common,” he said, but even moderate quakes can disrupt “fragile infrastructure” in the region.
While the tremors earlier this morning were already felt in Mandi, residents will have to remain on high alert as the fear grows. Interruptions caused by earthquakes, including those of mild force, should remind us of the need for continuous preparation in an earthquake-prone state like Himachal Pradesh. Despite not resulting in much damage, the tremor of 3.7 magnitude in Sundernagar itself highlights how active the area is and the need of disaster management work here.
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
